Illinois Sales Tax on Bullion
No — Investment bullion and most precious-metal coins are exempt from sales tax in Illinois. Jewelry, collectibles, and accessories are still taxed at the standard rate.
Here's how each kind of item is treated in this state. Tap a row to read the plain-English note.
| What you're buying | Sales tax? | What that means |
|---|---|---|
| Bullion Bars | No sales tax | You won't pay sales tax on these in Illinois. |
| Bullion Coins | No sales tax | You won't pay sales tax on these in Illinois. |
| Bullion Rounds | No sales tax | You won't pay sales tax on these in Illinois. |
| Legal-Tender Coins | No sales tax | You won't pay sales tax on these in Illinois. |
| Numismatic Coins | Depends on the order | Some items in this category qualify; others are taxed. Depends on the specific product. |
| Jewelry | Sales tax applies | Standard Illinois sales tax applies at checkout. |
| Industrial Precious Metal | Ask before ordering | Tax treatment depends on the item. If you're unsure, contact us before ordering. |
| Collectibles (Non-Coin) | Sales tax applies | Standard Illinois sales tax applies at checkout. |
| Paper Currency | Sales tax applies | Standard Illinois sales tax applies at checkout. |
| Accessories | Sales tax applies | Standard Illinois sales tax applies at checkout. |
- What's covered by the exemption
- Legal-tender coins, medallions, and investment-grade bullion at the standard purity.
- How they decide what counts as bullion
- The item must be a legal-tender coin/medallion OR investment-grade bullion at the standard purity.
- What's NOT covered
- Jewelry, novelty items, and bullion that fails the purity standard.
Common questions about sales tax on gold and silver in Illinois.
Is gold, silver, or platinum bullion taxable in Illinois?
No, if it qualifies as investment-grade bullion under Illinois’ bullion exemption rules. Nonqualifying items can be taxable.
Are legal-tender coins exempt from sales tax in Illinois?
Yes. Many legal-tender coins and medallions, along with qualifying bullion, are exempt under the statewide rule.
Are numismatic coins taxed in Illinois?
Many are exempt when they are legal tender or otherwise qualify as bullion, but novelty or nonqualifying items can be taxed.
Is jewelry subject to sales tax in Illinois?
Yes. Jewelry is taxable even though qualifying coins and bullion are exempt.
Do local Illinois taxes override the bullion exemption?
No. The exemption is treated as a statewide rule for qualifying bullion and legal-tender coin items.